How systems thinking can serve people in
Non-Profits
Non-profit organizations come in various sizes, but they all share a common goal: to advance their mission. The Waters Center helps non-profits build their capacity for systems thinking among staff by providing tools and strategies. This includes creating models and connection circles to identify leverage points and using an iceberg framework to analyze aspects of their work. By doing so, the Waters Center enables staff to improve their ability to achieve their organizational goals.
Systems Thinking in Action
With support from the Office of Population Affairs, several non-profits from across the US, each focused on adolescent health and well being, reached out to the Waters Center to support them in taking a more systemic approach to their work. Waters Center tailored its approach to the unique needs of each organization. Through a combination of capacity building, community engagement and system mapping, these non-profits fulfilled their grant requirements, had a stronger sense of purpose in their work, made connections between various programs and resources, and developed a stronger appreciation for the perspectives and experiences of their clients.
Interested in learning more about systems thinking and the Waters Center's services?
Schedule a 15-minute inquiry call with a Waters Center staff memberor email us at info@waterscenterst.org
Outcomes
When systems thinking is applied to non-profit work, results include:
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- A bigger picture of the system being impacted by the work of the non-profit
- Enhanced understanding of the the interdependencies and connections that are impacting the work
- Common language among staff helping them better communicate and achieve their mission
- An ability to identify leverage points in their system, allowing them to work "smarter not harder"
- Alignment of programs to maximize available resources